Jim O'Neil | Defensive Lineman

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49ers hired ex-Browns DC Jim O'Neil as defensive coordinator.

It's a thoroughly uninspiring hire, but coach Chip Kelly had few to choose from. His fast-paced offense makes glory hard to come by for his defenses, which are forced to stay on the field for long periods of time, often leading to skewed statistics. O'Neil oversaw a decent Browns defense in 2014 before it hollowed out almost completely in 2015. O'Neil's unit was destroyed by the run and struggled against the pass. San Francisco's defense figures to be unrecognizable from the Jim Harbaugh/Vic Fangio days next season. Jan 26 - 6:04 PM

San Francisco is scraping the bottom of the barrel after striking out on Texans LBs coach Mike Vrabel. Current LBs coach Jason Tarver and Ravens LBs coach Don Martindale are also candidates. O'Neil's defenses struggled in Cleveland, and coaching opposite Chip Kelly's fast-paced scheme has proven to be a major challenge. The 49ers defense will likely take a step back next season. Jan 25 - 10:08 AM

San Francisco has had to go in a different direction since Texans LBs coach Mike Vrabel turned down the team's defensive coordinator job last week. The Niners are also considering LBs coach Jason Tarver and Ravens LBs coach Don Martindale. O'Neil and ex-Browns head coach Mike Pettine have worked together since 2009 but Pettine said he's planning to take a year off from coaching. Ray Horton replaced O'Neil as Cleveland's DC last week. Jan 24 - 10:19 AM

The team has not made it official, but O'Neil was not on the list of four assistants Cleveland asked to stick around until a new coach is found. O'Neil's units ranked in the bottom ten of total defense both of his seasons in charge, and he likely would have been let go even if ex-coach Mike Pettine had been retained. O'Neil has worked with Pettine since 2009. Jan 11 - 10:51 AM

49ers LT Joe Staley (hamstring) is listed as doubtful for Week 14 against the Jets.

This takes a bit of air out of Colin Kaepernick's bounce-back balloon, and is a concern for Carlos Hyde as well. While Staley has struggled at times in pass protection this year, he has remained one of the NFL's premier run-blocking left tackles. Staley has started in 92 straight games for the Niners.